‘Crackdown on selfish drivers who cause daily danger for the visually impaired’

Julie Pilsworth and her guide dog Maeve (Image: Doug Jackson/Pinpep) Ministers must crack down on dangerous pavement parking that can affect the safety of around 85 percent of visually impaired pedestrians, charity Guide Dogs insists. It claimed vehicles obstructing footpaths cause major difficulties for people with a vision impairment – and has launched a petition calling for the law to be toughened up. For those relying on guide dogs, their only option is often to put themselves at risk by stepping into busy roads to avoid parked cars. Clare Williams, from Smethwick in the West Midlands who owns guide dog Quita, said pavement parking has turned day-to-day tasks into a ‘scary obstacle course’. She explained: ‘It is not just a nuisance, it’s dangerous for all pedestrians but especially those of us with visual impairments. In my experience, simple tasks like going shopping can turn into a scary obstacle course as my guide dog helps me to negotiate cars parked on the pavement, meaning we have to walk in the road.’ The charity, which trains dogs to support people with a vision impairment, said despite the Department for Transport holding a consultation in 2020, no progress had been made. Eleanor Briggs, from Guide Dogs, said: ‘Cars blocking the way undermines those with impairments’ confidence to get out and about. ‘This daily threat can mean people can’t safely get to work, education or to see friends. ‘We welcomed the Government’s recognition of the problem but now is the time to make good on their promise and give local councils the power to tackle problem pavement parking in their areas.’ (Image: Doug Jackson/Pinpep) According to YouGov, some 95 percent of local councillors in England said pavement parking created a safety risk for pedestrians with a vision impairment, and 70 percent admitted the problem exists in their area. Guide Dogs’ demand for a new law is backed by 57 percent of the public and 74 percent of councillors. A Department for Transport spokesman said: ‘Everyone should be able to navigate streets without obstacle. ‘Local authorities have powers to prohibit pavement parking with local laws. In 2020, we launched a consultation to better equip councils to take action. The response will be published in due course.’